The pandemic has left businesses both new and old suffering from severe liquidity crunches. While many simply could not survive due to the lack of funds, others soldiered on and weathered it through one of the most terrible years in the history of the Indian economy. “With a last quarter now ignitings hope for a sustainable recovery, there is renewed optimism in the market and entrepreneurs. However, the landscape has changed and what may have been a great business idea six months ago, may be obsolete now, says Praveen Sinha Pincap MD.” Indeed, the landscape as we know it has changed with new trends and processes coming into play which were not expected this early. In these tricky market conditions, many investors are now either on the sidelines or playing their cards very close to the chest.

Options for raising capital in a bear market

We are now in a market looking to kickstart a revival and some sectors such as digital services, healthcare, esports, logistics etc. have taken a lead in the race. According to an Inc42 Plus analysis, between January to September 2020, so far $8.1 Bn has been invested into Indian startups across 652 funding deals. Of the total funding amount, 51% or $4.1 Bn was invested in startups in the first quarter (Q1) of 2020 across 208 deals. “Although there was a 29% reduction in YOY funding in the first quarter of 2020, good projects have continued to raise capital. I have personally invested in iKargos, an online cargo management platform and Omnipresent which is looking to revolutionize logistics via drone deliveries.I am bullish on companies which are looking to solve problems in the space and hence, continue to explore opportunities in the current market as well,” says Praveen Sinha. 

So, where can the new or bootstrapped entrepreneurs of India go in these testing times? Listed below are a few options –

1. Banks – Banks continue to be the most traditional sources for loans, be it business or personal and with the Central Government doing all it can to incentivise credit, banks continue to be a good source of funds for entrepreneurs.
2. Venture Capitalists – VC Firms both Indian and from abroad, continue to make hefty investments into the Indian market. If you have the right idea and the right connections, consider raising funds via this route.
3. Government Schemes – If you happen to be doing something in sectors such as agriculture, poultry, handicraft etc. then chances are that the government has some attractive financing options for you. Head to the relevant websites for more details on the same.
4. NBFCs – NBFCs are becoming increasingly popular among the early stage entrepreneurs because of the non-exhaustive application processes and the attractive interest rates.
5. Business Competitions – Several private and public firms organize competitions all around the year to reward the best business ideas with angel funding. This is always great for the younger batch of entrepreneurs who are just starting out.

Final Thoughts

As Corona cases continue to tumble, and the USA set to go into elections, we enter a very tricky final quarter of 2020. “A lot of sentiment is riding on Wave 2 of the Coronavirus, imminent Vaccines from Oxford or Moderna and the Presidential Elections in the USA. The outcomes of each will determine how the markets shape up across the globe going into 2021. I expect the risk appetite of investors to be low till we do not have a clearer picture,” concludes Praveen Sinha

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Appeasing to the changing preferences of millennial homebuyers, the realty developers are spoiling them for choices with a plethora of options. Standalone homes, plots, villas, and the list goes on. However, for majority of the homebuyers, safety and comfort are the top most priorities. This has shifted the focus of realty developers on the concept of gated communities which offer several advantages over independent houses.

With the changing needs and preferences of the millennial generation, Hyderabad’s real estate sector is demanding a change and realty experts at Modi Builders, top builders in Hyderabad, have started making the modifications in their latest projects as per the latest trends.

With security and safety being the prime concerns for any buyer in the city to avoid unforeseen circumstances, the concept of gated communities is gaining increasing preference by the millennials. Along with safety, these self-sustained communities offer extra privacy and help in avoiding the peepers and snoopers.

Along with an integrated lifestyle and a sense of community away from traffic or speeding vehicles, these residential spaces offer an ideal lifestyle with safe and peaceful surrounding to live in. They also provide the residents with a scope of adding extra space for gardening.

Projects based on the concept of gated communities are also known as a safe haven for children as they are safe from bumping into any stranger. With specified areas set for the kids to play, it is easier for the guardians to ensure their safety.

Modi Builders, a real estate company in Hyderabad, has come up with several RERA-registered projects based on the concept of gated communities to offer a sense of security to the residents. Their projects like Emerald Heights, Sterling Heights, among others, host an abundance of world-class amenities like sports facilities, landscaped gardens, play area for children, swimming pool, well-equipped clubhouse, 24 hrs security, CCTV, fire fighting equipment, STP, solar lighting for common areas and LEDs.

With a steep rise in the trend of gated communities offering private living, high security, and advanced amenities, most of the Luxury villas for sale in Hyderabad are also based on this concept as security is always the priority for both – the developers and residents as well.  

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Hyderabad’s realty sector has witnessed some major developments over the last few years, resulting in the transformation of this sector. Counted among the top affordable cities for buyers and investors, Hyderabad is a three-tier city that offers excellent value for money when it comes to real estate.

Top builders in Hyderabad like Modi Builders are leading the city’s residential real-estate market because of affordability factors across all their projects. Keeping in mind the mid-income group, they are offering a wide range of affordable housing projects encompassing 2 and 3 BHK flats to luxury villas.

Their high quality homes are known for luxurious features which are affordable yet full of modern facilities. The prominent trust factor of their projects is the RERA registration number. Additionally, the location of these residential projects across the city are preferable due to their connectivity and surroundings. Projects like Elegance in Kukatpally, Emerald Heights in Pocharam and Paradise in Hayathnagar are perfect examples of 2 BHK flats in Hyderabad with luxurious amenities at an affordable price.

Industry experts explain the top reasons why such projects are gaining popularity and attracting the interest of investors.

• Well-located – These affordable residential projects are located close to commercial hubs and other prime locations within the city.
• Good connectivity – All these projects are not only well-connected via road but also have different means of transportation available.

    • Sound infrastructure  and facilities– Schools, colleges, hospitals, banks, ATMs, and other essential facilities are also within the proximity of these projects.

• Plenty of amenities – To ensure luxury and comfort, these housing projects are equipped various modern amenities such as a gym, club house and swimming pool.

• Safety and security – The safety of the residents is given primary importance. CCTV cameras, fire alarms and electronic monitoring systems are available for ensuring the same.

• Green-living in practice: The surrounding area of these projects is lush green. Additionally, water harvesting facilities are also available.

Modi Builders is striving to transform the city largely by uplifting the mid-section of the society. The term “affordable-accessible housing” is also a buzz across the nation as the government is also keenly focusing on it but with different parameters.

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The saying ‘Philanthropy is not just about giving money but leveraging whatever resources you have at your fingertips in order to improve the world,’ can’t be more true when it comes to Microsoft Co-founder Bill Gates. A quintessential entrepreneur and a benevolent human being at that, the business magnate has time and again proved himself to be a patron of philanthropy and social change.

Even when the USA President Donald Trump decided to halt its funding for WHO amid the pandemic crisis, Bill Gates continued to advocate the organisation’s cause. In light of the ongoing concerns, the Gates Foundation which is the second largest donor of WHO, has pledged around $250 million for development of vaccines and to bolster the healthcare system of the third world countries. Additionally, the fund is also aimed at curbing the economic impact of the pandemic on poor people.

In regard to the laudable work done by the business tycoon, Suresh Nanda, Chairman of the Claridges Group of Hotels, also appreciated the initiative and further highlighted the urgency to support the Covid 19-hit victims, be it financially or otherwise, add to this the fact that it is usually the marginalised communities who receive the hardest blow whenever crisis like this arises. A pandemic that has engendered anxiety in a world which is already frail, keeping our humanity intact and an overall global co-ordination seem to be the ideal way to achieve normalcy.

When it comes to benevolence in the time of pandemic, even India can be taken as a paragon, considering its pledge to provide hydroxychloroquine, claimed to be a possible medication for covid-19, to over 40 countries. Out of them, around five million tablets are being offered for free. “While it is highly commendable on the part of our country to support other countries in times of need, this can also possibly improve their bilateral relationships,” opines Suresh Nanda. The hotelier, at the same time, also appealed others to give succour and strength to those who are hit by the ordeal, in any way they can.

Mr Nanda himself had recently joined hands with several NGOs and other organisations to offer food aid to the needy including the daily wage workers and their families. When it comes to the entrepreneur’s philanthropic deeds, the list is long and he continues to advocate it all the while uplifting others as well to do the same. While the initiatives by elites and business moguls who are in a better position to help others cannot be overstated, there are other ways in which we, as laymen, can also do to make a difference.

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